Arrest warrant issued in bar attack before Dover man's death

DOVER — Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 24-year-old Dover man who allegedly assaulted another bar patron in Portsmouth, inflicting a skull fracture that might have ultimately caused his death.

DOVER — Police have issued an arrest warrant for a 24-year-old Dover man who allegedly assaulted another bar patron in Portsmouth, inflicting a skull fracture that might have ultimately caused his death.

Zachary O’Neil, of 12 New York St., is accused of attacking another 24-year-old man early Saturday morning while both were inside The Page, a restaurant and bar in Portsmouth.

Police say the 12:43 a.m. attack was unprovoked. O'Neil allegedly struck the victim, Joshua Krantz, in the head repeatedly with his fists. Krantz was allegedly hit from behind while he was on the dance floor on the lower level of the business, located at 172 Hanover St.

"I don't want people thinking that this was a bar fight where somebody got the bad end of the stick, so to speak," Portsmouth Police Deputy Chief Corey MacDonald said.

Police said Krantz was at the bar with friends on Friday night and Saturday morning. The assault was not reported to police, and Krantz left without seeking medical treatment, MacDonald said. He returned to his apartment in Dover, and was found dead by roommates on Saturday morning. MacDonald said Dover police were called to the scene at about 11:30 a.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed Krantz died of a fractured skull, leading to an epidural hematoma, police said. The state medical examiner's office has yet to issue a ruling regarding the manner of Krantz's death. Police say the charges against O'Neil could be upgraded if the death is ruled a homicide.

O'Neil is about 6 feet tall, and weighs about 200 pounds, according to information provided by Portsmouth police. He was asked to leave The Page by staff after Saturday morning's incident, police said. Police issued a warrant for his arrest on an assault charge later Tuesday afternoon.

An investigation into the untimely death continues today. Police encourage anyone who witnessed the events to contact Portsmouth police Detective Kristyn Bernier at 603-610-7529.

Tips can also be left anonymously by contacting Seacoast Crime Stoppers at 603-431-1199, or online at seacoastcrimestoppers.org. Tips can also be sent by SMS text by sending a message to CRIMES (274637) with the letters TIPSCS in the body of the message. People who provide information that leads to an arrest or indictment are eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000.

Krantz's obituary was published in The Portsmouth Herald. It stated he was born in Exeter and grew up in Epping. He was the son of David J. and Cheryl A. (Thibeault) Krantz of Epping.

"Even as a child, he loved football and started playing first with Nor-Rock Pop Warner, through junior high, and went onto play four years for the Epping High School team. Josh graduated from Epping in the Class of 2006. He later completed an associate's degree in business management from Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, and was employed as an enrollment account specialist at Bottomline Technologies in Portsmouth since last June," the obituary said.

"Josh was an avid outdoorsman, who particularly loved hunting, fishing and boating. He also liked music and was a DJ at local clubs and for his friends' parties," the obituary read.

Krantz is survived by his parents, David and Cheryl Krantz; his sister, Kristin Krantz; his paternal grandmother, Rose Marie Krantz; his maternal grandmother, Jean Thibeault; an aunt, Teri and Douglas Elwell; two uncles, Lee Krantz and Dan Thibeault; and three cousins, Megan and Derek Elwell and Robert Thibeault.

Memorial calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, at the Brewitt Funeral Home, 9 Pleasant St., Epping. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 11, at the Epping Community Church, Pleasant Street, Epping. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Epping/Newmarket Football Program, c/o Epping High School, 21 Academy St., Epping, NH 03042.